Ontario's Mary Spencer may no longer need an introduction to the boxing world, but the fight she's preparing to take on American Mikaela Mayer on Thursday at the Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) boxing gala at a Montreal casino could further establish her among the greats of her profession.
The stakes are clearly high for Spencer (10-2-0, 6 KOs) with three belts on the line. She will defend her WBA super middleweight title and attempt to capture the WBC and WBO 154-pound titles.
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However, her goal goes far beyond winning: she also wants to leave a beautiful calling card to popularize the sport.
“I’m very excited,” she told TVA Sports. I try my best to stay in the present moment.”
“It’s very exciting, but I don’t want to get distracted by what it’s all about,” the 40-year-old continued. “I was looking forward to the opportunity to take part in a fight that could help grow women’s boxing, and this fight will do just that.”
Spencer will headline the event, a role she hasn't always been accustomed to throughout her career. So she wants to make the most of this golden opportunity.
“I’m not just participating, I’m the headliner,” the Wiarton native said. As a woman, I often found myself on the sidelines. Even in the first seven years of my career and after becoming world champion twice, I did not even have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games.
“Legend”
It's a similar story for organizers, who emphasized how much of a pioneer Spencer was in her career.
“Mary has done so much for boxing in Canada,” said Camille Estefan, President of EOTTM. This is a legend. When we look at her accomplishments in amateur boxing and what she has done to promote the sport in Canada and around the world, she deserves this opportunity.
As for the strategy that the main interested party intends to use against Mayer (21-2-0, 5 KOs), she did not really want to show her cards.
“I don’t want to give too many details,” she admitted. The first thing to do is stay focused. This is very easy to lose, especially when you are at home. […] This will be the key to victory.”
